Established in 1983, the race is run each year on the last weekend in January, and has grown in reputation to draw competitive distance mushers from Alaska, the lower 48, and international locations.
[1] The Tustumena 200 (known locally as the T200) boasts one of the highest purses for a dog sled race in its class.
The Bogus Creek 150, a companion event to the Kuskokwim 300, based in Bethel, Alaska, has a guaranteed annual purse of $60,000.
[1] Before mushers can compete in the 1,150 mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, they must first finish qualifying events such as the Tustumena 200.
Tired and injured dogs are left with volunteers, to be transported by truck back to the finish line.